Media, integral part of democracy – NUJ

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
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Journalists have been charged to be resolute and responsible in the course of discharging their duties despite daunting challenges hindering freedom of press.

They were also enjoined to work hard and ensure that the right of the public to access information is protected in their quest to hold government accountable to the people.

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Osun State Council, stated these in a statement signed by the Chairman of the council, Kehinde Ayantunji and the Secretary, Bukola Elufadejin to mark the 2020 World Press Freedom Day.

The union further challenged newsmen, saying any society that lost vibrant media has lost integral part of democracy at the peril of sustainable development and growth.

It also expressed concerns about prevailing harassment, intimidation and incarceration of journalists in Nigeria despite 21 years of uninterrupted democracy.

It therefore called on all democratic institutions, particularly judiciary to rise in support of free press for a prosperous and sustainable democracy.

The union, while reflecting on the theme of this year’s World Press Freedom Day “Journalism without Fear or Favour” urged members to always practice ethical journalism by upholding integrity and public interest above any other consideration.

The council, while using the 2020 World Press Freedom Day to call for an end to all forms of harassment against Journalists also demanded for the release of journalists, who are currently in detention in the course of performing their constitutional obligation.

It also demanded better pay for media practitioners to enhance their capacity and ensure decent living standard.

It further called on its members to take all precautionary measures in the coverage of COVID-19 pandemic, as it demanded life insurance for journalists in line with what is applicable to health workers involved in the fight against dreaded Coronavirus.